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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH seeks Switzerland's support in SCS dispute

PH seeks Switzerland's support in SCS dispute

Published Feb 8, 2024 09:30 am

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has sought the support of Switzerland in upholding the rules-based order in the highly-contested South China Sea.

Manalo made this request when he met Thursday, Feb. 8, Switzerland’s top diplomat, Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis, who was visiting the Philippines to discuss both countries’ relations.

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Photo courtesy of Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis

In his opening remarks before their bilateral talks, Manalo said multilateral, regional and global issues were the focal point of their discussion, eyeing “possible collaboration in areas of mutual interest and concern” regarding such areas.

“We seek the support of like-minded partners, such as Switzerland, in upholding peace, stability and a rules-based international order which is essential to achieving prosperity for both our countries and our people,” he said.

Whenever there are acts of aggression in the waters, Switzerland, known for its neutrality, has always been silent.

Before the Philippines, Cassis was in China, also one of claimants of the South China Sea, for talks with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“We have a multi-faceted appreciation for the Philippine-Swiss relations, spanning political, economic and people-to-people connections,” Manalo told Cassis.

“It is in this light that I look forward, with optimism, to working together with you and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, to bring Philippine-Switzerland bilateral cooperation to greater heights,” he added.

Related Tags

Switzerland South China Sea
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